This is a harder chapter to understand, but James remains faithful in his writings, and in this chapter. Here he talks about having a faith that "is not dead" (which fits in with persevering! (*see chapter 1 study). That reminds me of something.
At church a few weeks ago, the pastor was talking about ant hills. He mentioned how each ant has smoething to do, and how each ant is busy. No ant is idle. Drawing this example to the bible, we read II Thessalonians 3:6-13. These verses warn about being idle. In the same way that our walk might become idle, without our faith producing good "fruit", our faith can become idle, and "die."
James begins with a look at favoritism. Have you ever shown favoritism to someone? Who to? (v.1)
(v. 3-4) James basically is saying that if you say to the rich man "you're ok" but say to the poor man "you're scum" you're becoming a "judge of evil thoughts" (kjv) Are we called to be judgmental? How does Jesus respond to people judging others? (read Matt. 7:1-5)
When are some times that we are judgmental to others? (i.e. when I'm in traffic, you're often too slow, and wrong, or you're travelling too fast, and you're wrong. (have you ever heard the phrase "if they're going too slow they're an idiot, and if they go too fast they're a maniac?" That fits me sometimes).
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We are to remain faithful to Christ, which is not always easy.
(v.13) How does this compare to how Jesus taught us to be? (see Matt. Chapter 5)
Pastor Dixon shared in his message at church from II Thessalonians 3:6-13. This says that we are to "keep away from every brother (or believer- my emphasis) who is idle" Why do you think this is stated?
I believe that the same directive applies to our faith (read v. 17 (James 2)) If we just say something without taking action, what can be (and often is) the result?
Referencing the Left Behind series by Lahaye and Jenkins (which I HIGHLY reccommend you reading if you haven't allready), how does Rayford's, Chloe's, Buck's, and Bruce's faith change after they come to Christ? Are they sitting back idle? How do they act towards sharing their faith with others?
I think James 2 can be summed up this way: Our salvation is definitely "by grace through faith (eph 2:8-9) and "not by works so that no one can boast". However, we should not just sit back and wait for blessings, etc. Our faith needs to be proactive, not reactive.
memory verse for the week: James 2:26 "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
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